Richard “Dick” Rupert, age 68, was hunting with his son and grandson in Oglethorpe County when the incident occurred.

According to Oglethorpe County coroner James Matthew, Rupert, his son and his grandson entered the woods early Saturday morning.

After leaving his son at one deer stand, Rupert and his grandson traveled by four-wheeler to another deer stand further into the woods.

The 12-year-old grandson had just climbed into the deer stand when he heard Rupert cry out. The grandson looked down and saw a snake near Rupert.

Matthews said the boy asked Rupert if he had been bit. Rupert lifted his pants leg and noticed a bite mark above the boot line. By the time the grandson climbed down from the stand, Rupert had collapsed.

Rupert regained consciousness long enough to climb onto the four-wheeler with his grandson, but then collapsed again.

Rupert’s grandson attempted to drive Rupert out of the woods, but, before they could get out, Rupert lost consciousness and fell off the four-wheeler.

Rupert’s son and grandson carried Rupert out of the woods and went to a neighbor’s house to call 911.

By the time medics arrived at 7:44 a.m., Rupert was in full cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead an hour later at Wills Memorial Hospital.

Matthews said he believes Rupert was most likely bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake based on the size of the bite mark.

According to Matthews, such bites are usually not fatal unless the individual has an underlying medical condition. Rupert had a history of mild hypertension, but no other contributing causes have been identified.

Matthews said Rupert’s grandson did an extraordinary job in trying to save his grandfather.

The Humphries family from Hoschton,Ga would like to send our condolences and prayers with the family who lost their loved one hunting with his son, and grandson. The grandson is a hero and will always be a hero in our eyes. We hope you all find peace.

Humphries Family,
Jeremy, Tina, Brianna,
Makenna, & Kaitlyn...

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